JAJA’S HAIR BRAIDING

CHARACTERS

JaJa's Hair Braiding - African American Females 18 to 50+Step into the vibrant world of Jaja's African Hair Braiding,a beloved Harlem hotspot where West African immigrant braiders work their magic on the locals' locks'. Amidst the lively buzz of a scorching summer, love ignites, dreams soar, and secrets unravel.

Sister Bea - Very opinionated

Vanessa -Feisty (on her way to vacation)

Radia - on her to an internship to Milan

Shelia - business woman coming to get a sew in

(Vanessa, Radia & Shelia usually play by one actor)

Aminata - An African Snack, deal with marital issues, slight gambling addiction

African American Male 20 to 50 - James, Sock, DVD, Jewelry Man, Husband

Miriam - Hairbraider in the salon, silent but when speak is courageous

Jennifer - one of the clients in the salon

Chissy, Michelle & Lanice all play by one actress

Ndidi - fastest and most lucrative hair braider in the show

Marie - JaJa's daughter  full of hopes and dream

Jaja - owner of the shop trying to make her own way as an immigrant

FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE

CHARACTERS

Five Guys Named Moe - African American males singer/dancers 18 to 40+  prepare two contrasting songs in with a 40s big band feel.

Five Guys Named Moe is a musical with a book by Clarke Peters and lyrics and music by Louis Jordan and others. The musical is based on an earlier musical short of the same name by Louis Jordan from 1943.

Big Moe - Tenor  

Top: A4 

Bottom: C3

Eat Moe - Tenor 

Top: G#4 to Ab4 

Bottom: A#2/Bb2

Four-eyed Moe - Tenor

Top: G4

Bottom: C3

Little Moe - Tenor

Top: A4

Bottom:C3

No Moe - Tenor

Top:G4

Bottom: C3

Nomax - Tenor

Top: G4

Bottom: G#2/Ab2

AFRICAN COMPANY PRESENT RICHARD III

CHARACTERS

AFRICAN COMPANY PRESENT RICHARD III - two contrasting monologues contemporary and shakespeare This play, by Carlyle Brown, is based on true events and tells the story of the first Black theatrical troupe in America putting on a production of Richard III, while uptown producer Stephen Price, threatened by the competition, sets about shutting them down at all costs.

character break-down to come

William Henry Brown - The owner and founder of the African Company - African American 

Junius Brutus Booth: A famous Enlish actor, hired by Stephen Price to play richard III - Caucasian 

James Hewlett - a leading actor in the African Company, considered a Shakespeare trailblazer - African American

Ann Johnson - An actress in the company - African American

Stephen Price -The ruthless producer of the Park Theatre who seeks to undermine the African Company - Caucasian

Sarah - A supporting actress in the company - African American

The Constable-A white enforcer for Stephen Price presenting the racist policies used against  Black cultural expression

Papa Shakespare - An elderly African/Caribbean actor who represents tradition and and serves as a dramatic foil to Sarahs' radicalism - African American 

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

CHARACTERS

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND - two contrast 16 bars that show off your voice

Mama Euralie

Ti Moune's adoptive mother. She is fearful of social status and greatly protective of her family.

Gender: Female

Age: 45 to 55

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: Gb3

Tonton Julian

Ti Moune's adoptive father. Filled with courage that is fueled by the love for his wife and daughter.

Gender: Male

Age: 45 to 55

Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: A2

Ti Moune

Our story's protagonist. A peasant girl who has been adopted, she is a dark skinned island girl with much curiosity and energy. Earnest and romantic about all creatures. Falls tragically in love with Daniel.

Gender: Female

Age: 15 to 20

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: G3

Little Ti Moune

Gender: Female

Age: 6 to 12 must present you

Daniel

A youthful man from the wealthy part of the island. He is pale skinned and inherently bound to fulfill the expectations of his higher social class. Struggles with his feelings for Ti Moune.

Gender: Male

Age: 18 to 25

Vocal range top: F#4

Vocal range bottom: C#3

Armand

Daniels father                                                                                            Gender: Male                                                                                                  Vocal: Baritone

Andrea

Daniel betroth soon to be wife                                                                      Gender: Female, Alto not sure of range                                                        Age:18 to 25

Papa Ge

The Demon of Death. He is proud and sly. His menacing ways are often a cause of distress, as he is in control of life and death.

Gender: Male

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: C3

Asaka

The Mother of Earth. She is very caring and nurturing. Her motherly disposition make her well-suited to provide inhabitants with anything they need.

Gender: Female

Age: 40 to 60

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Agwe

The God of Water. He is strong, clever, and compassionate. Enjoys playing with the rain and ocean.

Gender: Male

Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: B2

Erzulie

The Goddess of Love, beautiful and elegant with a strong belief in the power of love. She has a sympathetic heart.

Gender: Female

Vocal range top: C#5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Ensemble

Gossipers; Peasants; Storytellers